The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship PV Linda Ramirez Closed

October 1st, 2023
Courtyard

Rory was deeply engrossed in his thoughts, before suddenly being startled out of them. He jumped in his seat at the sound of footsteps, almost falling back into the fountain. It was empty, which actually would've been worse that it being filled. Thank goodness he balanced himself quickly enough. Rory hoped this new person didn't notice that, or hear his earlier comment about being a recluse.

The girl in front of him seemed older, well put-together. She wore a pretty outfit with a lot of accessories -- a level of fashion that Rory aspired to but had yet to meet. Maybe most notable was her red hair, which made him quickly recognize her. They had never spoken, but he had seen the fellow Gryffindor around school before. Well, quite a few times near the beginning of the year, but not in a while.

There were a multitude of reasons that could explain this. He didn't know her age, but she wasn't a first year. They didn't have the same classes, and Rory wasn't exactly a social butterfly. If he saw the common room was busy, he would dart right back to the dorms. Maybe she wasn't getting out very much, either, yet she was clearly more comfortable with speaking to new people.

He could tell that she was friendly, and his guard immediately went down. She smiled, a friendly, sincere one, before greeting him and introducing herself. Apparently she thought that the courtyard was a nice place, and her name was Linda Emilia Ramirez. She was a second-year, and a Gryffindor. The boy took in the information quietly, watching her with slightly wide eyes.

And then she prompted him to reply. "Um... yeah. It's pretty out here. I like the birds." He answered, adding a detail about his fondness for animals. While it wasn't the best spot on the Hogwarts grounds to see animals, there were plenty of birds flittering about, occasionally making themselves known with chirps or tweets.

"My name is Rory." He realized that she provided her full name, "Oh! Well, Rory Philbert Hara. I'm a first year."

He took a moment of silence, fiddling with his hands in a nervous habit. Trying to come up with something else to say. It felt nice to meet a friendly face, who didn't seem bothered by his awkward habits. "I'm a Gryffindor, too. I think I've seen you around before."

Private to @Linda Ramirez

October 1st, 2023
Courtyard

Rory was rather surprised by how his courtyard encounter was unfolding. He expected a quiet time of reflection, or maybe a couple words of greeting from the fellow Gryffindor; instead, he found himself engaged in a lively conversation.

He blinked in shock when Linda inquired about his interests in animals. Most people had dismissed it as a childish intrigue, but the creatures were really special to him. Growing up, he had learned a lot about the fauna of his home city, Birmingham. "Well, um... I really like pigeons, or ducks. They're very friendly, and like being fed." He fiddled with his hands. "I like all animals. I'd like to learn more about magical creatures, though." Many aspects of magic were new to Rory, including the animals. It was a pleasant surprise when he had arrived at Hogwarts.

He turned his face to look at the girl, she seemed kind. Warm, but perhaps a bit... distant? If that was the right word. Well, they were acquaintances, after all. She continued, asking him about his experiences at Hogwarts.

"It's not too bad so far. Maybe I was hoping it was more different than primary school, though." He scratched his cheek, looking like he wanted to change the topic. It was simple - Hogwarts was a new school, and the magical aspects were exciting, but Rory hadn't changed. He wasn't more capable of making friends. He didn't feel brave, either, despite being sorted into Gryffindor.

Linda went on to explain the ways they could've met. Really, it was what the boy had already considered. There were so many possibilities, and likely many more for them to meet. And this girl - she was really understanding, sincere. He felt a bit of hope, then, that he might make a friend. It was easy, almost natural, to talk since she led the conversation. His awkwardness, although still there, wasn't as noticeable as usual.

Then she asked a question that could get rather deep - why was he sitting there? Was it lonely? They were questions that the blonde would typically ignore rather than facing. He smiled meekly, "Hmm, I don't know. I usually like being by myself. It's a lot - all these new people." He looked at the ground, as if it was really interesting, "I just don't think I'm quite settled in yet." It was a truthful answer, if a bit vague. She didn't seem judgmental, at least, which is why he had even answered that much.

Then she moved on, inquiring about whether or not he had a pet. "Um, yes. Her name is Blossom, she's a brown tabby cat. She's really cute, and sometimes I dress her up in little costumes." He was rather enthusiastic about the topic, as Blossom was like his best friend.

He blinked, realizing that she had been asking all the questions. Although he doubted she minded, as she hadn't left, he attempted to contribute a bit more to the conversation. "Linda, how was your first year? Was it easy for you to get adjusted to being here?" It was rather personal, but he was hoping that her response would be encouraging.

Private to @Linda Ramirez

October 1st, 2023
Courtyard

Rory blinked, realizing almost immediately the difference between their backgrounds. "Well... ducks are cute aquatic birds. Some live in a pond near my house. And, pigeons. Well, they're usually in the cities, and sometimes they made little cooing noises." He was clearly interested in the topic, appearing more lively than before, even if his explanations weren't very informational.

Her next comment reaffirmed his belief. She noted that even though she had little experience with Muggle society, she was eager to learn. His lips quirked slightly upwards, hopeful at the promise of further conversations with his new acquaintance. He didn't have anything to say in response, so he sat there contently, swinging his legs slowly against the fountain wall.

Linda then went on to mention that she sometimes felt similarly unsettled during her first time at Hogwarts. At least it should get better, then. While she agreed that it was nice to be alone at times, she softly reminded him that it can be nicer with friends. "Well, yeah. I'm hoping to make more friends as the year goes on." He tugged on the collar of his shirt.

And she had a cat too! Well, that certainly was a plus! Really, he would've been happy with most anyone as long as they had a pet. Luckily, this fellow Gryffindor was great on her own, too. "Lila Moon... She sounds great! Maybe our cats can meet, Blossom is a rather good judge of character so they'll certainly get along!" He seemed quite taken with the idea, his baby blue eyes practically sparkling.

He listened to her first year experience intently, nodding along to the pleasant tone of her voice. "Wow, a birthday party? That's a good idea." Rory had never been the kid who had birthday parties, or even was invited to the other children's in his classes. The idea was foreign and exciting, but not something he necessarily wanted to replicate. Either way, his birthday was in June.

She described some of her hobbies, sharing drawing as an interest with Rory. He would've told her as such, but he was rather nervous to show his work with anyone, even if he doubted she would press him to. Apparently, Linda felt lonely at times, too. Huh. But it got easier, at least in her experience. "I'm glad it got better for you. And I think it will be fun for me, too. So many things are new here, and rather exciting."

Rory clearly felt better than when he began the conversation, sitting a bit more straight and responding less nervously. "I'm trying to get out of my room more. Well, other than for classes and whatnot. There's always a lot of stuff going on, clubs, and activities, and places to practice your hobbies." He chuckled, somewhere between nervous and excited, "Surely I'll meet some more nice people. With how many students there are, it's pretty likely."

His eyebrows jumped up, as if he suddenly remembered something. "Oh. I guess I never asked, but what were you doing out here?"

Private to @Linda Ramirez

October 1st, 2023
Courtyard

Rory nodded along to Linda's musings, but had no response to make. He further questioned the significance of blood status in the wizarding world -- not daring to consider what his life would be like if his parents were pureblooded, in contrast to a Half-blood and a Muggle. He scratched at his arm.

The boy gained some reassurance from the second year's testimony to making friends, but didn't press the subject further. His curiosity about her past was satisfied, even if his worries weren't yet assuaged. After all, Rory had set his expectations low -- it would be progress to have multiple friends, close or not. Only some of the company he had held thus far had been accommodating, much less agreeable.

Linda was receptive to Rory's suggestion for Blossom and Lila to meet, judging by her lively, warm tone. Her smile was quick, honest. "Then they will meet," the boy replied earnestly, "We can arrange a time later." The implications of the phrase were not immediately noticeable to the young Gryffindor -- it was a plan for them, too, to meet again.

An unexpected party? His eyebrows raised, and his lips were pressed in a straight, thin line. While surprises had the potential for delight, a surprise party did not. Yet he noticed the fond, faraway expression on the girl's face. Perhaps, for some, it would be a pleasant way to celebrate. "It sounds like you've met some special people." He could, at least, appreciate the sentiment.

She continued on with words of encouragement, promising that, with time, Hogwarts would be like a second home. He heard similar mutterings from his father Lewis on their trip to the Hogwarts Express, but accepted them this time with less reluctance. Rory couldn't yet rejoice, as time would prove the validity of her words, but he could wish for the best. His voice was soft and less pronounced, "I'm sure you're right."

Finally, the answer to his inquiry. Linda had a history with the courtyard -- from German lessons to simple moments of rest. To answer her question, he gave a simple response, "Less often than I wish. I'm not a fan of the crowds." The location could become rather busy during the day -- at those times it was dutifully avoided by the boy. A beautiful location; nevertheless, often noisy and overwhelming.

His mouth curled into a smile, clear blue eyes gazing towards the sky. "It's not so bad now, with a little company."

Private to @Linda Ramirez